The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-27
MEXICAN SPORTS.
Gambling, Cock Fighting and Other Demor-
alzing Diversions in Vogue.

alizing Diversions in Vogue.
Correspondence OF he Indianapolis journal.
CHIHUAHUA, Mex, Feb. 2l-The cruel and
degrading ''sport" of bull Citing in Mexico il
no longer INDUCED in to any great extent It
was formerly very popular with certain classes
end patronized by tho people generally for lack
of otker and more rational entertainment. 1t 10
but quite recently that the trial of speed be-
tween horses was introduced into this country
under modern rules, and this class of sport is
popular in but few places, even at this time.
Athletic sports are practically unknown, and
the country, thus far, has been mercifully
spared the infiction Of baseball. Social Gus
toms have much to do in fixing the amusements
of people, In this country unmarried persons
Of opposite sexes do not mingle together. the
young men are not allowed to visit the girls at
their homes, and are not permitted to walk with
them upon the streets or in the parks, unless
accompanied by parent or other discreet rel
alive. Church socials, select home gatherings,
and the ''swell" parties SO common in the
United States, are very rare, indeed, outside OF
| the national capital. Being thus debarred from
| wholesome and elevating social amusements,
the people have recourse to gambling, cock
similar character. These old habits are, howe
ever. being gradually broken up by the infu-
ence of the "Gringos," as foreigners are called,
whose social customs, while at frat "quite shock.
| ing to the natives are sooner or later adopted,
| though often in modified form.
The prohibition of bull-fghting by laws re-
| Gently enacted has practically done away with
| such exhibitions in Mexico. and they are rarely
| to be seen. except during few days known as
| 'Pasena" or feast time, ut the close of each
| AS
fessional and skilful toreadors, or bull-fghters.
| who now appear in the arena for the amusement
| of the public.
Just prior to the taking effect Of the decree
against bull-fghting, I was fortunate enough to
witness contest in which one of the mc It skill
full, daring and expert of the professional fighters
of Mexico took the leading part This per-
former was q young woman whoSe equal has
probably never annaarAa a.. -, tina .plaza de-
! TSSlos" In this, her farewell exhibition, Sens.
orita Hernandez advertised for the widest and
fiercest bulls the country could produce, and
agreed to fight them while wearing stills, Tho
handicapped by having stills fastened to her
feet was sufficient to attract vast crowd,
and on the day fixed for the ssssiiit
fully five thousand persons found PLACED
amphtheater. The animals provided for tho
occasion were small, active and wholly untamed,
each having his horns trimmed and polished
until the points were bright and almost as
sharp as needles. Never was more expert work
done in this cruel sport than was coolly per,
formed by tho Mexican girl on that day As the
bull. mad with rage, would make his furious
charge she would stand until he had approached
within distance of about three feet, when,
| suddenly springng to one side, she would, al
the animal rushed furiously by, with one hand
slap him in the face with the red cloak With
which his anger had been first aroused whil6
with the other hand she dextrously thrust into
his neck gaudy barbed 'banderilla," causing
him to with pain and rage Charge after
| charge was made by the maddened brute, only
| to be eudsd by the active girl, while the bull
| met the same treatment before. The little
senorita played with him, plagued him and
tortured him cat would mouse, until tho
ANIMAL bleeding and sore, and worn out with
fatigue and pain gave up the contest, and would
, fight no moro. He had met his conquaror and
| waz taken from the ring.
| In the next contest the fair Castilian was uu-
der advertised obligation. while yet wearing
the stills, to kill the bull with o sword scarcely
more than two feet in length. This was to be
done by the toreadora at the time the ANNA!
, was making the charge, the fatal thrust to be
| given while she directly In front of and
fairly facing the bull
The animal selected for this contest was
beautiful specimen of his race. Black as coal,
agile as cat, savage and wild, he was sooney
within the arena than he ready for the bat
tie After he had been permitted to make a
charge or two TO warm him to his work the Gov
ernor, who presided on the occasion. gave .
signal and the bugle sounded the death call"
securely fastened to her limbs received the
/: short sword saluted the Governor, and, turning
| to her enemy gave shout OF defiance and
, waved her scarlet cloak to rouse his anger. AT
, this time the distance separating the antag-
onists was almost two hundred feet Toro,
, quvernc with excitement and paving the earth
] in his rage. waited for second invitation.
With flashing eyes and head lowered to
; the ground. he started at full speed
i for the object of his hate. The brave girl
waited until the beast was within twenty feet,
when, bracing herself firmly. she held het
sword at shoulder height, ready for his coming.
When within about four feet she threw her
body suddenly forward, gave quick thrust
> | with the sword and without waiting to see the
! effect Of the blow, swung quickly around and
: | again saluted the Governor In the twinkiing
of an eye she turned to face the bull, and as she
did SO he dropped dead close to her that.
without moving from her position, she placed
: one foot upon the neck of her now helpless
enemy.
The sword directed by the strong arm OF the
self possessed girl, had severed the spinal cord,
: and death instantaneous and probaDiy
d painless. 1t was perilous feat, skifuiiy aud
Q feariesslv performed, and the slightest nervous
Q ness on the part of the performer would proba-
: bly have resulted in her death The great audi
Q ence. in recognition of the skill OF the brave
/, toreadora rose to its feet, and for several mo-
0 ments there was a shower of gold and silver
coins falling around the victorious G..r